Historical Marker

Benton County Courthouse

Marker installed: 2019
Marker provided by: Mississippi Department of Archives and History.

Since 1949 the State Historical Marker program has identified and interpreted historic sites across Mississippi. More than one thousand markers can be found near buildings, battlefields, cemeteries, churches, temples, forts, homes, schools, and abandoned towns.

For tourists the markers may be their only glimpses into the state’s rich and varied history. For Mississippi communities the markers can be points of pride that memorialize locally important people and events.

State Historical Markers are privately sponsored and funded. Anyone may sponsor a marker. To qualify a site must have unique historical significance to the local community, the state, or the nation.

Mississippi was hit hard by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which caused extensive damage to the state's Gulf Coast region and led to the displacement of thousands of residents.
Mississippi random facts
Benton County, Mississippi, located in the northern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history dating back centuries. Initially inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Chickasaw, the area saw European colonization in the early 19th century. It was named after Thomas Hart Benton, a prominent senator from Missouri, in 1836.

Throughout the mid to late 19th century, Benton County developed as a mainly agricultural region, with cotton serving as the primary cash crop. The county’s economy thrived on plantations worked by enslaved African Americans. However, the devastation of the American Civil War and the subsequent abolition of slavery led to a significant decline in cotton production.

In the early 20th century, Benton County experienced a shift in its economy as it moved away from agriculture. The development of railroads and the influx of the timber industry brought new opportunities for growth. Additionally, the establishment of small businesses and the construction of schools and churches helped foster a sense of community.

Despite periods of economic and social challenges, including the Great Depression and the Civil Rights Movement, Benton County persevered and embraced change. Today, the county remains largely rural but has witnessed some progress in terms of infrastructure and development. Its rich history and vibrant culture continue to be preserved and celebrated by its residents.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Benton County, Mississippi.

  • 1836 - Benton County is officially formed and named after Thomas Hart Benton, a Missouri senator.
  • Early 1840s - Settlers begin to establish farms in the area.
  • Late 1800s - The construction of railroads through Benton County spurs economic growth.
  • 1861-1865 - Benton County residents participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1870s - The county experiences a boom in cotton production.
  • Early 1900s - The town of Ashland is established as the county seat.
  • 1930s - Benton County, like the rest of the country, is impacted by the Great Depression.
  • 1950s-1960s - Civil rights movements and desegregation efforts take place in the county.
  • Late 20th century - Benton County sees a decline in population and economic activity.
  • 2000s - Efforts to revitalize the county's economy and promote tourism are underway.